Who Receives a Website?
Affiliate organizations that are under the umbrella of City First Church are allowed a website. (e.g., Christian Life Schools, Christian Life Retirement Centers, and Focus One). Affiliate websites need approval of their website design and development by the City First Church Web Developer.
Who Receives a Webpage?
Ministries of City First Church will receive a webpage rather than a website. (e.g., Venue, RFYA, City First Church Conferences, etc.)
Website/Webpage vs. Blog
Your ministry’s website/webpage is a resource for information related to City First Church or your ministry (e.g., leadership, upcoming events, dates, etc).
Your ministry’s blog is not a resource for information related to City First Church or your ministry, but rather, a place to offer long-form, helpful bonus material to your audience (e.g., devotional, helpful resources, featured books, etc).
Ownership
It is up to the ministry owner to request changes to their portion of the website/webpage. The role of the Creative Team is to complete requested updates in a professional and timely manner. Ministry owners should review their web pages at least once a week. Remember, the information contained on the website/webpage is often the largest window into your ministry. Leaving outdated information on your website/webpage can send a message to visitors that your ministry is not that active.
Writing for the Web
People read online content differently than they do print materials. The physical limitations of computer monitors, as well as the nature of a hypertext environment, prevent people from reading for long periods of time or in a linear fashion. While good writing is good writing, understanding these differences is crucial to communicate effectively on the web.
Interestingly enough, in today’s information age, people are becoming more accustomed to the reading style of web copy and are becoming more impatient with lengthy print copy. The transition has already begun to move to a “task-driven” reading approach as more and more documents are being published in scannable or bulleted formats. In other words, web copy translates well into printed material but print copy does not translate well into web copy.
Note: After a Creative Request has been submitted, all content will need to be approved by the Creative Director’s office.
Tips:
- “Chunk” text (break into bite-sized pieces) for quick and easy consumption.
- Use short phrases instead of full sentences to make a point.
- Be direct. Use active voice.
- Make one point per paragraph.
- Avoid empty phrases, market-speak, and floweriness. A reader is more likely to trust the content when it is not over-hyped.
- Eliminate vague modifiers (e.g., really, very, actually, sort of, etc.).
- Employ the “inverted pyramid” style of writing —- place the main point of the topic in the first or second sentence instead of leading up to the topic sentence with introductory sentences.
- Break paragraph points into bulleted lists.
- Never use “click on” or “click here.” Just make the subject a hyperlink.
- Example: Register now (not “Click here to register.”).
- Example: Connect at our special events or life groups (not “Click here for neighborhood groups.”).
Call to Action
Since most promotions will be for future events, it is important that your web message contains clear calls to action. There needs to be a way for visitors to take the next step (i.e., request more information, sign up online for an event, register to volunteer, etc.). Making this process easy for visitors will maximize participation in your ministry.
City First Church Events Page
Major ministry events will also be able to receive a post on the City First Church events page. The Creative/Communications Team makes every effort to include qualifying events based on priority, tier, and available time.
Writing for Web Promotions
Writing for the Web should be similar to other promotions, but there are a few things you can do to jazz up the content and make it more effective.
- Title: Short, to the point, and catch the reader’s eye.
- Summary: Give more details, but still have personality and not be too full of details. Keep it 1 or 2 sentences maximum, and try to answer the “what, who, & why” for your event.
- Full details: Put as much info as you want to in here; just make sure it’s useful and accurate. Think outside the box and think of visitors when you add info to this section.
- Example of good Web copy:
- Title: Original Night
- Summary: Ladies, be sure to mark your calendars for the next Original Night happening on Friday, January 29 at 7pm in the Main Auditorium. This will be an encouraging night with worship, a message, an after party and more. Admission is free and childcare is provided!
- Full Text: This should answer the question, “Why should they come to this event?” and include the following details:
- Information about the speakers and the schedule
- Cost information
- Registration details and deadline
- Details, details, details. Think outside the box and through the eyes of a visitor!